The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a study guide for the FCS exam? A: A study guide is located on the AAFCS website, http://www.aafcs.org/CredentialingCenter/Texas.asp. Review of this study guide and completion of the sample examination items will help
you assess your readiness for taking the National Family and Consumer Sciences Examination.

Q: Is there a practice test available for the FCS exam? A: AAFCS provides a short sample of examination items on their web site. It is not
intended, however, to serve as a study mechanism, but instead to familiarize candidates
with the format, style and structure of the items on the tests.

Q: How do I prepare or study for the FCS exam? A: First, it is helpful to correlate the standards covered in the exam to the TEKS
from each of the seven occupational courses. Next, look over the correlated TEKS and
decide which area(s) you feel you need to study the most. For those areas read the
chapters in the reference books. Once you have read these chapters, carefully read
the "Chapter Highlights" from all the remaining chapters. If you have recently graduated
or are still completing your baccalaureate degree, review your course outlines, notes
and other materials that relate to the content of the examination.

Q: What topics/information is covered on the FCS exam? A: The Family and Consumer Sciences Certified Composite Examination is comprised
of questions relevant to all 8 Standards. The FCS – Human Development and Family Studies
Specialist Examination, or "HDFS Examination," is comprised of questions relevant
to Standards 1, 2, and 3. The FCS – Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science Specialist
Examination, or "HNFS Examination, is comprised of questions relevant to Standards
1, 4, and 5.

Q: Are the Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences reference books (used
to study for the exam) available anywhere other than the Curriculum Center for Family
and Consumer Sciences? A: The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences is the producer and sole
source provider of the following reference books included in the list of resources
that may be used in preparation for the exam: Services for Older Adults; Child Care
and Guidance, Management, and Services; Food Production, Management, and Services;
Hospitality Services; Institutional Maintenance Management and Services; Textile and
Apparel Production, Management, and Services; and Housing, Furnishings, and Equipment
Production Management, and Services.

Q: Where can I take the FCS exam? A: Candidates may take the examinations (FCS, FCS - HDFS, or FCS – HNFS) at a Schroeder
Measurement Technologies, Inc. (SMT) computer-based testing center - at the location
most convenient to the candidate's geographical area. Locations are located here:
www.isoqualitytesting.com.

Q: When can I take the FCS exam? A: FCS - HDFS, or FCS - HNFS examinations may only be taken during the authorized
examination periods or windows. Please note the following examination schedule and
associated deadlines: